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01-06-2011 | Original Article

Comparison of LEP and QST and their contribution to standard sensory diagnostic assessment of spinal lesions: a pilot study

Authors: Christian Geber, Ulf Baumgärtner, Marcel Fechir, Thomas Vogt, Frank Birklein, Rolf-Detlef Treede

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 3/2011

Abstract

This study evaluates the additional use of laser-evoked potentials (LEP) and quantitative sensory testing (QST) in the sensory assessment of spinal lesions. Four consecutive patients with spinal lesions verified by MRI and clinical evidence for mild spinothalamic tract involvement were included. The electrophysiological workup [somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) and LEP] was compared to QST. Electrophysiology and QST were reassessed after about 6 months. LEP detected impaired spinothalamic tract function in 7/8 examinations. QST pointed to spinothalamic tract lesions by loss of thermal function (3/8); most frequent positive sensory signs (3/8) were paradoxical heat sensations. LEP and QST results were concordant in 6/8 examinations. SEPs were abnormal in 2/8 examinations. Congruent results between SEP and both LEP and QST were obtained in 3/8 examinations. LEP detected more deficits than any single QST parameter or their combination but additional QST allows the detection of positive sensory signs. The diagnostic gain of SEP was limited.

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Title: Comparison of LEP and QST and their contribution to standard sensory diagnostic assessment of spinal lesions: a pilot study
Authors: Christian Geber
Ulf Baumgärtner
Marcel Fechir
Thomas Vogt
Frank Birklein
Rolf-Detlef Treede
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-011-0476-9

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Comparison of LEP and QST and their contribution to standard sensory diagnostic assessment of spinal lesions: a pilot study

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